Many seniors who have lived in their homes for years will eventually find that repairs or modifications may be necessary to help them age in place. However, this also makes them prime targets for scams. 

A recent survey conducted by JW Surety Bonds in Pennsylvania revealed that about 1 in 10 Americans have been victims of contractor scams. Additionally, the National Council on Aging reported that baby boomers, aged 60 to 78, are the most likely to encounter these scams, largely because they are often homeowners, perceived as wealthier and may have memory challenges that make them vulnerable. 

Here’s how you can identify and protect yourself from home-repair scams:

SCAM SCENARIO

A contractor shows up at your door unannounced, claiming to have recently worked on a neighbor’s house and insisting that your roof needs repairs. They might lure you with a free inspection, followed by what seems to be a reasonable quote. 

They may pressure you to make an immediate decision, pushing for a cash payment upfront for the cost of materials. They may even ask for a hefty deposit and then propose to finance the remainder of the project themselves without any formal paperwork or contract. 

Unfortunately, these scammers typically vanish once they have your money, never returning to complete the work. In other cases, they may start the job but leave it unfinished, or they do such poor work that when issues arise, they become unreachable.

This scam may vary in specifics, but a sense of urgency and a lack of transparency are major indicators that something might be amiss. Another red flag is the contractor’s reluctance to provide contact details or identification, and their vehicle lacks clear company branding or displays only a removable magnetic sign.

To protect yourself from falling victim to home improvement scams, consider these tips:

VET CONTRACTORS THOROUGHLY

• Seek referrals: Ask for contractor recommendations from friends, family and neighbors who have had satisfactory experiences.
• Read reviews and complaints: Check contractors’ ratings and reviews on reputable websites like the Better Business Bureau. 
• Verify licensing and insurance: Ensure that contractors are licensed, bonded and insured for liability and workers’ compensation.
• Confirm permits: Certain home modifications require specific permits; make sure your contractor obtains these.

GET ESTIMATES

• Get multiple quotes: Compare written estimates from several contractors. Don’t hesitate to ask about differences in pricing for similar jobs. Do not automatically choose the lowest bid. Sometimes, you get what you pay for.
• Get it in writing: Always insist on a written contract.

UNDERSTAND PAYMENT OPTIONS

• Safe payments: Use checks or credit cards for payments to ensure there’s a record; avoid paying in cash.
• Self-arranged financing: Arrange your own financing if needed, rather than depending on the contractor’s terms.
• Agree before paying: Never pay for anything you are not completely comfortable with.
• Payment schedule: Tie payments to project milestones; if the work is delayed, postpone payments accordingly.

Just because you’ve chosen a reputable contractor, doesn’t mean your work will be completed. Stay involved by documenting contracts, receipts, correspondence and progress photos. Always feel free to ask questions to ensure everything meets your expectations.

Before making the final payment, carefully inspect the work to ensure it meets contract specifications and your satisfaction. Obtain written warranties for materials and workmanship, verify that all subcontractors have been paid to avoid future claims, and ensure the job site is clean and all materials and tools are removed. 

IF YOU’VE BEEN SCAMMED

If you suspect you’ve been scammed, act immediately. Report the situation to local law enforcement, as it may involve criminal activity, and consult a lawyer to discuss your legal options.

You can also report scams to:

• U.S. Federal Trade Commission: FTC.gov or call 877-FTC-HELP (382-4357)
• Better Business Bureau: BBB.org
• Colorado Attorney General’s Office: COAG.gov/office-sections/consumer-protection 
• Call for Action: CallForAction.org

The Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) is committed to raising awareness and providing support to those impacted by financial scams. If you are targeted or victimized by a scam, report it to GJPD at 970-549-5057. Residents of Montrose and Delta can report scams to their local police departments—Montrose Police Department at 970-249-9110 and Delta Police Department at 970-874-7676.